Artblog | Architecture

October 27, 2021 by Dereck Stafford Mangus

Saving a historic building’s facade when the rest of the building is destroyed, gentrification in Baltimore

As with many cities undergoing rampant gentrification in older neighborhoods, historic preservation of the buildings and the quality of life of the neighbors are two aspects of development that are often overlooked. Dereck Mangus reflects on his experience in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore, when an antebellum building is destroyed — all but the facade — to make way for a tall, modern, mixed-use building.

September 24, 2021 by Dereck Stafford Mangus

Baltimore’s Formstone buildings are kitschy, but popular and durable

Dereck Stafford Mangus reflects on moving from Boston to Baltimore, and into a building clad in Formstone. Dereck compares Formstone’s shaped-stucco facades to art forgeries, calling them “urban kitsch.” But he’s learned to appreciate them as part of what makes Baltimore …Baltimore!

September 23, 2021 by Kemuel Benyehudah

Rethinking public space through the lens of equity and possible futures

Mandy Palasik and Kemuel Benyehudah spent a large part of the pandemic working on a collaborative piece about issues of sustainable design and public space, and we’re proud and excited to present their dialog on the complex issues.

December 21, 2020 by Dereck Stafford Mangus

Contemporary churches in Baltimore, repurposed and appreciated in a new light

After learning that the iconic Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Baltimore church was purchased by an out-of-state developer, Dereck reflects on the upward trend of repurposed churches in his neighborhood.

July 20, 2020 by Mandy Palasik

Bohemian paradise in development hell, Hotel Chelsea revealed in new book by Colin Miller and Ray Mock

The new book, Hotel Chelsea: Living in the Last Bohemian Haven by Colin Miller and Ray Mock tells of current residents and their struggle with the Hotel’s developer-owners and explores the history of this artistic incubator-cum-living space.

June 10, 2020 by Michael Lieberman

Inga Saffron’s ‘Becoming Philadelphia’ chronicles Philadelphia’s construction boom

Michael Lieberman reviews Pulitzer Prize winner Inga Saffron’s ‘Becoming Philadelphia.’ The book, a selection of the architecture critic’s Inquirer articles from the past 20 years, tells an intricate story about Philly’s 10 year tax abatement and construction boom– both its part in revitalizing the city, and its part in harmful gentrification and increased inequality.

April 28, 2020 by Andrea Kirsh

Il Redentore, a post-plague church in Venice

In a new series “Art following epidemics” triggered by thoughts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrea Kirsh refers back to her field of Art History to examine art made during or after other epidemics.

April 2, 2020 by Dereck Stafford Mangus

Legoland Brutalism and the building blocks of urban development

Dereck Stafford Mangus shares his thoughts on current trends in urban development and the connection with Brutalism and Legos.